Smoothing contours for better proportioned thighs and lower body

A thigh lift, or buttock lift, is a procedure performed by UF Health surgeons who can help you address excess skin and fat in the thigh/buttock region. This region is perhaps the most difficult to address through good dieting and exercise.

If good dieting and exercise isn’t quite accomplishing your goals, a thigh lift can help you achieve your goal of a firmer, more youthful looking body. The thigh lift surgery procedure tightens the thigh’s skin and reduces sagging in the outer and inner thigh.

Continue reading to learn if a thigh lift at our Florida plastic surgery center is right for you and more about preparing for the procedure and handling its immediate aftermath.

Is a thigh lift right for me?

If you’ve been engaging in a good diet and exercise routine but still have excess soft tissue in the thigh and buttock region, a thigh lift may be right for you. Physically speaking, a thigh lift is safe to consider if your weight is stable, you don’t smoke, have positive, realistic goals and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle.

But always remember the first rule of undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure – do it because you want to, not to satisfy someone else’s wishes.

One more important fact about thigh lifts that you need to be aware of…it’s not a procedure intended to strictly remove excess fat. If the skin has good elasticity and is able to conform naturally to the new body contours, a liposuction procedure is all you need.

If skin elasticity is poor, a combination of a liposuction and thigh lift may be recommended by your University of Florida thigh lift surgeon.

How do I prepare for thigh lift surgery?

Once you decide a thigh lift is what you need in order to accomplish your goals, UF surgeons will first sit down with you and fully discuss the procedure and your goals.

UF surgeons at will provide full detail of any and all risks associated with the procedure. They will require you to sign a consent form attesting that you fully understand the procedure and any potential risks before scheduling your thigh lift surgery.

Once your thigh lift surgery is scheduled, surgeons may suggest you take certain medications and/or adjust ones you’re currently on. To minimize the risk of bleeding, avoid Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements prior to and immediately after your thigh lift… and quit smoking well before your surgery.

When the day of your surgery arrives, have someone to drive you home since it’s an outpatient procedure. We also recommend someone stay the night with you to help monitor your recovery.

What will my recovery be like?

After surgeons complete the thigh lift procedure, bandages and dressings will be applied around the incisions along with a compression garment to reduce swelling and support your new contours as you heal. Temporary tube(s) may be placed under the skin to drain away excess blood and fluids.

Florida thigh lift surgeons will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site(s) following surgery, any medications you should take, specific things to look for around the surgical site(s) and your general health along with an appointment for a follow-up exam.

It takes anywhere from three to four weeks to fully recover from thigh lift surgery and you should schedule at least 7 to 10 days off work.